Here is a few of the many pics i took last month at one of my local spots while these Dragon Flies were busy mating. Was by accident but turned out to be the perfect time. I have many more and may post them as I get around to it. Some were shot with the E-1 and some with the E-500 and I think all of these were shot with the Tamron SP 35-80 both with and without an extension tube. Developed in Viewer as a TIFF and PPed with Elements and Topaz. Pics to follow.

Finding them on a mating day seems to be the secret. Even if they aren't actually mating (and even then they do sometimes fly away) they want to be out where they can be seen. This is the only time I've been able to get this close. I can get within a few feet of the big ones as the hover but that is it.

Finding them on a mating day seems to be the secret. Even if they aren't actually mating (and even then they do sometimes fly away) they want to be out where they can be seen. This is the only time I've been able to get this close. I can get within a few feet of the big ones as the hover but that is it.

John

Is there any way we can get someone in Florida to photograph Steven as he tracks horny dragonfiles, creating mating calls as he does that? I sense a POTD here...

Is there any way we can get someone in Florida to photograph Steven as he tracks horny dragonfiles, creating mating calls as he does that? I sense a POTD here...

Ted

Come on down, Florida needs more tourists to help our economy!

And when you are here, you can see my secret for photographing dragonflys:
1. have a small lake behind your house and have lots of flowers in your back yard.
2. have a cold beverage while you set out on the lanai and watch the ball game or race on a Saturday afternoon.
3. when you see some dragonflys flying around, grab a camera and go out to the backyard.
4. wait for it to land near you, and take a quick shot.
5. If it doesn't land near you, go back to watching TV.

While I might not get a good close-up like John, my method definitely has some advantages!!